Registered Dental Assistant

Registered Dental Assistant

Department: Dental

Reports to: Dental Center Supervisor

Status: Full-time

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Organization Information

WellSpace Health believes that everyone deserves to be seen, no matter who you are, where you come from, where you work or what place you call home. We see you and are here for you. To that end, we’ve committed ourselves to finding solutions for our community’s health and wellbeing to achieve regional health through high quality comprehensive care.

Our focus has always been to offer a full range of quality medical care, dental care, mental health and behavioral health services, and enabling services to underserved people. We do this by placing ourselves within the communities we serve and employing outstanding healthcare professionals who are devoted to our mission.

We are a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and are accredited by the Joint Commission for Ambulatory Care and Behavioral Health. We’re also certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Care Medical Home and a Behavioral Health Home.

Position Summary

Under general direction, the individual in this position is responsible for assisting the dentist(s) in the direct provision of primary care dental services to patients. The Registered Dental Assistant is also responsible for assuring that dental operatories are adequately stocked and are ready for patients; for sterilization, preparation and inventory control of dental instruments and supplies; provide diagnostic aids including x-ray and taking and recording medical and dental histories. The assistant may need to travel to other locations within the Sacramento Region.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Active California Registered Dental Assistant license required.
• Completion of a 2 hour California Dental Practice Act Course within the last 2 years.
• Completion of a board-approved 2 hour course on Infection Control within the last 2 years.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certificate or willingness to be trained required within first (90) ninety days of employment.
• Must possess a California X-Ray License or board-approved Radiation Safety Certificate.
• Must possess a Coronal Polish Certificate.
• Pit and Fissure Sealant Certification preferred (renewal compliance of California Dental Board will be adhered to).
• Completion of Dental Assistant training program with a Dental Assisting Certificate; or one year of Dental Assistant experience in a dental office.
• Ability to work courteously and effectively as a team member to support the quality/efficiency standards established for the clinic; work independently; exercise good judgment; spell correctly.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow oral/written instructions, perform clerical work in a methodical, independent and thorough manner with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to work in fourhanded dentistry.
• Proficient in digital charting and digital radiography (QSI preferred).
• Knowledge of dental terminology, and office practices and procedures.
• Must be able to function effectively in a position that involves continuous movement.
• Experience in a pediatric setting with medically compromised patients is preferred but not required.
• Fluency in additional languages preferred.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing and demonstrate a high level of listening skills.
• Commitment to HIPAA and ability to abide by standards of professional ethics and maintain confidentiality.
• Adherence to infection control procedures, including but not limited to, standard precautions of temperature monitoring, hand washing, symptom self-monitoring, masking and social distancing.
• Assist and support the Center/Department/Program to meet standards of High Reliability.
• Must have valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Essential Responsibilities

• Prepares instruments, materials, and medications for use in dental procedures; cleans sterilizes, and maintains an adequate supply of instruments, maintains functioning instruments and equipment, prepares inventory and maintains dental supplies.
• Provides diagnostic aids including x-ray and taking and recording medical and dental histories.
• Maintains all dental clinic areas in compliance with dental clinic directives and protocols as well as center policies and procedures relative to infection control, exposure control and safety issues.
• Performs clinical supportive functions, including preparing and dismissing patients.
• Provides post-operative instructions prescribed by the dentist.
• Assists in maintaining patient treatment records and maintaining equipment and instruments.
• Performs lab procedures such as pouring and trimming models.
• Participates in, in-service training programs, attends staff meetings and as required.
• Participates in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities, both on-site and off-site as required.
• Travels when necessary to meet operational needs.
• Other duties as assigned by Dental Center Manager.

Benefits

Successful candidate will receive regionally competitive salary, above average health benefits at reduced costs, company paid life insurance & long-term disability insurance, additional voluntary retirement plan with company match and no vesting schedule requirement.

• Paid bereavement and jury duty leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• Flexible Spending Program
• Company paid malpractice insurance for all providers
• Professional development hours offered annually

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work environment is characteristic of a medical clinic environment. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel. The employee is also required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must also possess hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using substances and/or not attentive to personal health and safety for themselves or their homes. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and the lack of personal care. The employee may also be exposed to bodily fluids (blood, urine) and hazardous chemicals.

WellSpace Health is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is the intent of WellSpace Health to maintain a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. WellSpace Health is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WellSpace Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer